Skin care doesn't have to be costly, but it takes commitment

Tuesday

Feb 26, 2008 at 12:01 AMFeb 26, 2008 at 1:12 PM

If diamonds are a girl’s best friend, wrinkles have to be Public Enemy No. 1. And the biggest culprits in the fight against those unwelcome creases and lines are aging and sun exposure, said Dr. Paul Revis, a dermatologist..

Georgette Braun

If diamonds are a girl’s best friend, wrinkles have to be Public Enemy No. 1. And the biggest culprits in the fight against those unwelcome creases and lines are aging and sun exposure, said Dr. Paul Revis, a Rockford, Ill., dermatologist for 21 years.

“Aging, we can’t do a lot about,” he said. “But even more than aging is sun exposure,
and if you’re lying out in the sun, you’ll regret it.”

So what’s a woman to do so she can put her best face forward? “Don’t overdo the sun, don’t use tanning products and don’t lie in tanning beds,” Revis said.

“You can get skin care products that are inexpensive, ... physician-strength products sold over the counter, or you can go to see a doctor or doctor’s assistant to get retinoid products that reduce fine lines and fade brown spots.”

- Stay out of the sun during peak hours, wear sunblock and sunglasses.

- Moisturize.

- Don’t smoke.

- Stay hydrated by drinking several glasses of water a day.

- Keep your face clean.

- Eat fruits and vegetables.

- Exercise.

In your 30s

- Start using thicker moisturizing creams, and apply moisturizer over damp skin to lock in moisture.

- Use a daily sun protection with an SPF of 30 or higher.

- Exfoliate with chemical peels.

- Consider Botox injections to relax muscles that lead to wrinkles.

In your 40s and 50s

- Try anti-aging creams with glycolic acid, which triggers new formation of collagen to plump cells, retinal and vitamins A and E to firm the skin. As estrogen levels diminish and your skin loses elasticity, you’ll see wrinkles around your eyes, drooping eyelids and expression lines around your mouth and forehead.

- Ease up on microdermabrasions as your capillaries become more fragile.

WHAT'S YOUR ROUTINE?

Rockford Woman asked four women about their skin care routines. Here’s what they said:

She’s in her ...

In her 30s: Andrea Tanner

About her: Tanner of Loves Park, Ill., is an adolescent health case manager for the Winnebago County Health Department.

Her skin care routine: She drinks eight glasses of water a day, works out on weights five days a week, and avoids carbohydrates and sweets.

She also gets a facial once a year, most recently in December.

At home, Tanner cleans her face twice a day with an M.D. Forte cleanser that contains an exfoliant, as well as a skin rejuvenation lotion and eye cream that she buys through Revis’ office. Many of the individual M.D. products cost between $20 and $50 and last her for six months. She also uses Theraplex Hydrolotion, a light moisturizer she applies twice a day, and a sunscreen in the morning.

About her: Trojniar of Rockford, Ill., is director of marketing and development for Burpee Museum of Natural History, Rockford.

Her skin care routine: Trojniar uses cleansing, toning and moisturizing Kara Vita products sold by representatives in homes for her twice-daily routine. She also uses a mask once a week, which she says leaves her skin feeling smooth. At any one time, Trojniar is using such products that cost about $150 but last for six months. She wears makeup from Colorlab Cosmetics. Though Trojniar rows and bikes, she says she’s not as disciplined as she should be about wearing sunblock.

Quote: “Being a female in the working world, you have to take care of yourself. Providing a healthy appearance, I’m all about that.”

In her 50s: Maria Castello

About her: Castello of Rockford, Ill., teaches dance at Auburn High School in Rockford, is artistic director of the Without Shoes Dance Co., and tangos at various special events with her husband, Jacques Saint-Cyr.

Her skin care routine: Castello eats lots of vegetables and fruits that help her stay hydrated, tries to get at least seven hours of sleep daily, and exercises often through dance. She also uses moderately priced Neutrogena products, including a cleanser that has a dermabrasion effect and a cream with retinol.

Quote: “I know when I exercise, my skin looks better.”

In her 60s: Pearl Hawks

About her: Hawks of Rockford is a retired phone company manager, operator of Mattie’s Four Seasons dress shop, and Winnebago County Board member

Her skin care routine: Hawks has used Pond’s Cold Cream to remove makeup and cleanse her face at night for at least 30 years. And in the morning and at night, she uses Pond’s Dry Skin Cream, which costs about $8. She also wears Fashion Fair makeup.

Quote: “A lot of people tell me I look younger than my age.”

Rockford Woman writer Georgette Braun has stayed out of the sun most of her life and hasn’t missed moisturizing her face daily for more than 20 years. Contact her at 815-987-1331 and gbraun@rockfordwoman.com.